Influence of Diet on Growth and Health of Captive Hatchling Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus)

<p>Accelerated growth in tortoises has traditionally been associated with potential health risks, however empirical evidence in the literature is lacking. In captivity, growth rates of tortoises are generally expected to exceed those of natural populations and the main cause is probably due to differences in diet. In the context of captive management programs for the purpose of reintroduction, diets that increase growth rates are deemed important because larger animals are less subject to predation and rapid growth permits earlier release, reducing overall cost and effort. To assess the influence of diet on growth and health of captive hatchling tortoises, we compared growth rates, sprint speeds, and blood chemistry parameters of gopher tortoise hatchlings reared on four different diets over a period of 168 days. Tortoises fed Mazuri brand tortoise diet or a mixture of horse feed and vegetables had significantly higher growth rates than those fed a mixture of supermarket greens. Calcium supplementation of supermarket greens had no effect on growth rate or sprint speed. Significant differences were also received in blood chemistry. The goal is to use this information to make recommendations that improve the success and feasibility of captive management programs.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Biology

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Erickson, Matthew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Denison McLain
• Lance McBrayer

• ETD
• Gopherus polyphemus
• growth rate
• nutrition
• blood chemistry
• captive
• conservation
• Animal Sciences
• Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/1261

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-2345